If you need a good spot to take in the beauty of Sydney’s scenery or architecture, your best bets are these selections of incredible lookouts sprinkled around the city. Many of these lookouts are a short distance from the city centre. Whether you are a photographer, a tourist or an adventurer, you can’t help but enjoy yourself at Sydney’s best lookouts. Here’s a selection of some of the hidden lookout gems to seek out on your next visit to town.
Introduction to Sydney Lookouts
Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. The city is surrounded by several national parks, including the Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which offer a range of lookouts with breathtaking views of the harbour, coastline, and surrounding landscape.
From the popular Observatory Hill Lookout to the secret spots like Crater Cove Lookout, there are countless vantage points to take in the spectacular views of Sydney. Whether you’re interested in whale watching, exploring the city’s coastal cliffs, or simply taking in the stunning views of the harbour, Sydney’s lookouts have something for everyone.
West Head Lookout
West Head offers a view of three of Sydney’s best landmarks. Standing on the lookout, you can see an amazing panorama consisting of Broken Bay on your left, Pittwater on your right and Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse in front. The lookout is a sandstone viewing area with informative interpretive signs, and it has benches where visitors can sit and enjoy the sights and sounds that nature offers in this part of the world. There is also a nearby Resolute picnic area where you can have lunch. Further ahead is a path called Aboriginal Heritage Walk. You can also enjoy other areas and activities by the Hawkesbury River, Lion Island Nature Reserve and Central Coast’s beaches, including Patonga and Umina beaches. Visitors might also spot white bellied sea eagles while enjoying the views.
The Pylon Lookout
A 200-stair climb inside the South-East Pylon to the Pylon Lookout is worth it, as the bridge offers views to the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and Harbour surrounds. The bridge is a good spot to take photos of the sweeping city view as a backdrop. The four pylons of the bridge are created for aesthetic purposes only. However, did you know that 250 Australian, Scottish and Irish stonemasons worked together to prepare the granite for the pylons?
The South-East Pylon, which has been enjoyed by the public since 1934, is also home to the Pylon Lookout Museum. The museum holds a vast collection of displays that commemorate the bridge’s construction, as well as showcases the stories of challenges of Australia’s forefathers. The Pylon Lookout is easily accessible from the nearby ferry wharf.
Observatory Hill Park
The Observatory Hill Park has been described as a park that offers a million dollar view of the inner harbour. You can view Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge for free on Observatory Hill. The popular spot is a favourite not only among locals but also among workers and visitors.
There are many activities that you can do while in the park, because of facilities, such as exercise stations, a rotunda and a tennis court. Sydney Observatory, Australia’s first observatory, is also located in the park. The observatory is open to the public all year long. Observatory Hill Park is easily accessible by public transport.
Milsons Point
Milsons Point, also known as Lavender Bay and Milsons Point Circuit Walk, is a walking trail at the north lower shore. The scenic trail provides you with two amazing views: the iconic Sydney Harbour, which is home to the Sydney Opera House, as well as the Harbour Bridge. You will not get bored when you are at Milsons Point, not only because it has sweeping views but also because Bradfield Park, Luna Park, North Sydney Olympic Pool and Wendy’s Secret Garden are situated close by. If you want a panoramic view of the bustling city skyline, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, just walk along Bradfield Park until you reach Broughton St Lookout. Have a good time at Luna Park, the amusement park.
Dawes Point Park
If you want to take in the beauty of Sydney Cove, you can go to Dawes Point Park. The lookout is rich in history, as it was the first fortified position of Australia, with military significance extending into the Second World War. It was built in 1788 as a protection for the cove from invaders. Dawes Point Battery was manned until 1916, and you can find five cannons at the site as reminders of the past. Another fun fact is that a dig was completed at the site. Dawes Point Park is easily accessible from Circular Quay.
Dobroyd Head
Dobroyd Head has a lookout at the northern end that allows you to see whales swimming in the ocean, as well as enjoy the beauty of North and South Heads and spectacular Pacific Ocean views. The lookout is named after the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers, Arabanoo. If you are interested in the history of the location, you can find signs and monuments here and there, which are like clues to the bygone era that Dobroyd Head had witnessed. Also, not far from the area are the Grotto Point Lighthouse and aboriginal rock engravings. You can also visit another lookout, which is the Dobroyd Head lookout, as well as Reef Beach. There is a car park nearby for easy access.
South Head
Picturesque scenery awaits you at South Head, where you can marvel at the sheer cliff face that defines the dramatic coastal landscape. When you climb to the top of the lookout, you will be able to gaze out over Sydney Harbour and the Tasman Sea. It is also possible to catch a glimpse of whales on their yearly migration journey. Lookouts abound on the South Head Heritage Trail. There are more things to see at South Head, such as the Hornby Lighthouse and 19th century gun replacements. Exciting activities can also be done in the area, including swimming at Camp Cove or Lady Bay Beach, touring the Dunbar shipwreck memorial and site, and stopping by at Robertson Park or any Watson’s Bay restaurants for fish and chips.
Watsons Bay is nearby and offers additional attractions like The Gap lookout, known for its breathtaking views and accessibility.
Secret Spots
One of the best things about Sydney’s lookouts is that there are still many secret spots to discover. From the little-known Fairfax Lookout at North Head to the stunning views from the top of the Harbour Bridge, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. The America Bay Lookout, located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, offers breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury River and is a great spot for a short walk and picnic. Another secret spot is the Arabanoo Lookout, located in Sydney Harbour National Park, which offers stunning views of the harbour and the city skyline.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Manly Wormhole is a secluded viewpoint located in Queenscliff that offers stunning views of the ocean and is accessible via a short and easy trail.
Unique Lookouts
Sydney is home to a range of unique lookouts that offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings. West Head Lookout, located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, offers panoramic views over Pittwater, Broken Bay, and the surrounding bushland. The Blues Point Reserve, located in North Sydney, offers stunning views of the harbour and the city skyline, and is a great spot for a picnic or a short walk.
The Observatory Hill Lookout, located in the city centre, offers breathtaking views of the harbour and the city skyline, and is a great spot to watch the sunset. For those looking for a more dramatic view, the Hornby Lighthouse, located on South Head, offers stunning views of the ocean and the coastline.
Other Scenic Lookouts Beyond the Usual
If you’re looking to go beyond the well-known viewing points and uncover even more visual treasures, Sydney has no shortage of scenic gems to explore. From the eastern suburbs to the northern beaches, these lookouts offer unmatched views that capture the city’s natural beauty and architectural brilliance.
For a classic experience with postcard-worthy sights, head to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, carved into sandstone on a peninsula in the Royal Botanic Garden. This iconic spot offers a sweeping, uninterrupted view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, perfectly framed by the Sydney skyline and spectacular harbour, especially magical at sunset. It’s a favourite for photographers and anyone looking for a quiet moment with unforgettable views.
Further north, Georges Head Lookout in Mosman is a lesser-known treasure that combines historic intrigue with stunning scenery. Once a key military defence point, the site still features 19th-century gun emplacements and tunnels. Today, it’s a secret lookout where you can soak in sweeping views of the harbour entrance, framed by both North and South Heads.
On the edge of the northern beaches, Palm Beach offers more than just golden sand and surf. A walk up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse rewards you with panoramic views across Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the best lookouts Sydney has to offer for those willing to take the scenic hike.
And for those wanting a completely different vantage point, the Blue Mountains, just under two hours west of the city, offers dramatic high-altitude views over deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sandstone cliffs. Lookouts like Echo Point and Sublime Point reveal another side of New South Wales’ beauty, making this a perfect escape to pair with your coastal adventures.
